Spinal Tap II – The End Continues… to make us laugh to the sound of Rock’ n’ Roll
Are you a fan of Tap? Either from watching This is Spinal Tap when it first came out in ‘84, or from watching it age like fine wine in the 41 years that have followed? If your answer is an infatuated ‘YES!!’, then I am afraid all I have to tell you is ‘Make no plans for this weekend! You are going to, once again, enjoy the company of the Spinal Tap band members (minus all the drummers!).’ If, on the other hand, you have lived under Stonehenge and never heard of Spinal Tap, then come along, you are about to enter a universe that promises nothing else but rock and roll and a great time.
Although believed by many to be a real band, Spinal Tap is a fictional product created in the 1970s, originally, and immortalised in the 1984 mockumentary and rockumentary This Is Spinal Tap. The film that inspired a whole generation of comedians, and shows like The Office, follows director Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner) on his mission to film the self-contained universe of the metal band Spinal Tap. Following the band members David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), Derek Smalls (Harry Shrear), and Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), the film is a funny satire of the pretences of the music industry.
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues returns to this universe 40 years later. During this time, the band (and the original film) has only increased in popularity, gaining an undisputed cult status. However, fame and popularity have not been enough to stop the band from splitting up in the meantime. With this return to the Tap world, we meet up, once again, with David St. Hubbins, who is now an award-winning musician for on-hold phone jingles, Derek Smalls, who runs the Museum of Glue, and Nigel Tufnel, who owns a cheese-and-guitar store. These undoubtedly promising solo careers must now come to a halt when a contractually obligated reunion concert forces Spinal Tap to get back together. Without a shortage of chuckling, giggles, and laughter, this sequel follows the tensions of a forced get-together, as they prepare for one last concert (and try to find a replacement for their most recent deceased drummer).
Even if the sequel doesn’t ‘go to eleven’, it works for both fans of the original film - who get to hang out once again with beloved characters, and for a whole new generation – who get to experience Tap for the first time. So, whether you already love the original film or are just ready for a good laugh, make sure you catch Spinal Tap II at The Dukes this weekend, because I am happy to tell you the end continues.
Written by João Eduardo Lima Belchior
Last chance to see it on Sunday 19th October!
